Casablanca Tea Room

(212) 219-8441

164 Mercer St
New York, NY 10012 40.7254 -73.9979

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Neighborhoods: SoHo, Downtown

Hours:

Mon-Sat 11am-11pm

Sun 12pm-10pm

Price:

$$

Last updated 9.11.08

Category:

Restaurants, Catering

Payment Methods:

American Express, Visa, MasterCard

Restaurant Special Features:

Breakfast, Romantic Dining, Brunch, Hidden Find, Private Rooms, People Watching, Lunch Spot, Date Spot, Food Delivery, Dine At The Bar, Bar Scene

General Info:

Open 7 Days

Cuisine:

Tapas / Small Plates

What People Are Saying About Casablanca Tea Room

Featured Review

Contributor

Contributor

In Short – This chic Soho cafe transports guests to its namesake city with its florid details--waitresses wear caftan shirts, white cloths drape from the ceiling, and tea is served in silver kettles. The movie projection of "Casablanca" (could it be anything else?) adds to the charm. Thirty-something patrons--both couples and groups--sample Moroccan sausage, chickpea salad, and spicy olives from small bowls and wicker baskets. Sandwich presses behind the bar crank out paninis, while a case of Payard pastries urges more indulgence.

Editor's Tips

What to Drink:
The Sympathy for the Kettle tea comes in more than 10 flavors, including mint, citrus oolong and white peach.
Know Before You Go:
Casablanca Tea Room is located in the back of the hip boutique Lounge (enter on Broadway for the shop).
Look Good:
Host a meeting in the tea room and use the projection screen for your presentations. The staff will set up a conference table.
ambiance
87.77999877929688% positive
  1. The decor, music and food are a great blend that make you feel you have been transported to Casablanca.
  2. It is not a romantic ambiance as the lights are so bright inside and the staff MIA that it makes for a very frustrating, beyond disappointing experience.
  3. Overall, the ambience is nice and the food is good but the waitstaff needs some serious training.
  4. The ambiance is sexy, but chill, and it would be a great place to enjoy an intimate dinner as well as with a group.
  5. The atmosphere was so comfortable and fun!
  6. The decor was so unique, it was like a movie set or something.
  7. the reason we came to Casablanca (which was recommended by a friend of mine) to have fun, and enjoy our dinner, the food was GREAT, but the service was AWFUL.
  8. The place is a real cool spot, with chic white Moroccan decor and a tight sound.
  9. The wine and champagne list is impressive and the staff is not only helpful but friendly and fun!
  10. Super fun!
  11. It had excellent ch'i and a beautiful decor.
  12. The decor is beautiful and you feel as if you have been transported to Casablanca.
  13. This is as far as I am concerned perhaps the best romantic spot in Manhattan to go on a first date.
  14. Never uncomfortably crowded so it's perfect to catch up with friends or a romantic evening.
  15. am happy to to say that the owner of Casablanca has done everything correct and that they firing on all cylinders- Starting with what matters: SUBLIME FOOD, great ambiance and the friendliest service that I have experienced since my trip to Morocco.
drinks
97.7299976348877% positive
  1. visited Casablanca tea room last night for their open house and had a wonderful experience.
  2. Khalid, the Chef/Event Planner helped me put together a great party with a price fix that could not be beat anywhere else in the city, $60 all you can eat and drink!
  3. The wine and champagne list is impressive and the staff is not only helpful but friendly and fun!
  4. the drinks here are delicious (and there's no skimping on the alcohol), especially the mojitos, which consistently contain the ultimate blend of mint, simple sugar and lime.
  5. highly recommend Casablanca Tea Room, whether for dinning or just for some tea and Baklava.
  6. The drinks were yummy but very strong.
  7. When I first went to this place, the staff was very charming, the food is great, and the Moroccan tea is to-die-for!
  8. The tapas, Moroccan mint tea and baklava were amazing.
  9. The wine we had was excellent, and the tapas mixed plate was perfect.
  10. was looking for a nice chill place for a few drinks.
  11. The food was also amazing, and the staff was right on top of things bring us fresh drinks and food constantly.
  12. and the drinks were AMAZING-the ruby slippers is delicious.
  13. The night was special thanks to an abundance of amazing food and wine.
  14. Casablanca Tea Room was the perfect setting for a special occasion, with great service- the owner came over and congratulated me, the food came out in a timely manner, and our wine glasses were never empty.
  15. The drinks were great, albeit pricey.
  16. lovely space, great drinks
  17. The creme brulee was unusually delicate, and garnished with a flower, blueberries and crispy coffee beans for a nice flavour contrast.
  18. The tapas are unbelievable, and the drinks are good too.
  19. the service is always great, from the bar to the tapas (awesome morroccan food too!)
  20. Any of the hand-crafted drinks that include mint and shaken by Andreas are truly refreshing and perfectly balanced.
  21. Great cocktails too!
  22. Good for late night drinks with friends - beautiful crowd at night.
food quality
91.94999694824219% positive
  1. The tapas combination platter was delicious, in particular the eggplant and the beets, and the warm bread and hummus rounded out the perfect late night meal.
  2. the reason we came to Casablanca (which was recommended by a friend of mine) to have fun, and enjoy our dinner, the food was GREAT, but the service was AWFUL.
  3. Haven't had better beet salad, chick peas, eggplant, olives, and grilled flat bread in a long time.
  4. The drinks were yummy but very strong.
  5. Casablanca Tea Room was the perfect setting for a special occasion, with great service- the owner came over and congratulated me, the food came out in a timely manner, and our wine glasses were never empty.
  6. The mouth watering Mohitos are delicious and the Moroccan Chicken Cigars are the perfect combination of cinnamon sweetness and flavorful chicken.
  7. The food is delish - light and tasty tapas.
  8. the service is always great, from the bar to the tapas (awesome morroccan food too!)
  9. He started us out with the best Mojhito that I have ever had [Fresh lime juice, pungent mint that is imported fresh from across the Atlantic and shaved ice
  10. they have a really tasty champagne cocktail and everyone is really mellow.
  11. The food is incredible!
  12. The night was special thanks to an abundance of amazing food and wine.
  13. the drinks here are delicious (and there's no skimping on the alcohol), especially the mojitos, which consistently contain the ultimate blend of mint, simple sugar and lime.
  14. Overall, the ambience is nice and the food is good but the waitstaff needs some serious training.
  15. If the best memories are in the details then you will love to remember the soft dark light and the fresh scent of rosewater and mint, flickering candles and the twisted bouquet of white roses.
  16. Not knowing much about Moroccan food, the menu is perfect to try a variety of different dishes.
  17. Cucumber, Tomato w/ fresh bread [This is the best bread I have ever had?
  18. awesome Morroccan food, great music, beautiful people in a beautiful room.
  19. The decor, music and food are a great blend that make you feel you have been transported to Casablanca.
  20. The food was great.
  21. and the drinks were AMAZING-the ruby slippers is delicious.
  22. The creme brulee was unusually delicate, and garnished with a flower, blueberries and crispy coffee beans for a nice flavour contrast.
  23. The hummus was not flavorful and when we ran out of bread and asked for more, it never came.
  24. The food was also amazing, and the staff was right on top of things bring us fresh drinks and food constantly.
  25. Check it out also for the great food.
  26. Sipping my mojito and savoring the authentic moroccan dishes while being lulled by the soft flutter of the white drapes on the ceiling, it was easy to forget I just got out of a cab that smelled like my grandmothers feet.
  27. Best Moroccan food in the city
  28. Our frustration from having to wait was quickly fogotten because we had such a wonderful meal and were treated so attentively.
  29. When I first went to this place, the staff was very charming, the food is great, and the Moroccan tea is to-die-for!
menu variety
100.0% positive
  1. Sam was the perfect host and continued to bring us a tasting of the menu throughout the evening.
  2. The menu is unique and intriguing.
  3. Not knowing much about Moroccan food, the menu is perfect to try a variety of different dishes.
overall
83.33000183105469% positive
  1. This is not just a great place but the atmopsphere is incredible for a date.
  2. The ambiance is sexy, but chill, and it would be a great place to enjoy an intimate dinner as well as with a group.
  3. was looking for a nice chill place for a few drinks.
service
67.2599983215332% positive
  1. came here awhile ago and while I agree the service was a little slow,this time around they completely turned that around and we had a beautiful waitress who was prompt and great to be around.
  2. The service is attentive and warm ?
  3. The food was also amazing, and the staff was right on top of things bring us fresh drinks and food constantly.
  4. Great teas, snobby service
  5. This is such a cool spot with very accomodating staff.
  6. Even though I reserved a table a week in advance and earlish in the evening, the waitstaff was not only just rude and didn't provide good service, but actually yelled at my guests that she wouldn't be able to get them anything more if they didn't order no
  7. Sam the manager couldn't be more cool and accomodating.
  8. When I first went to this place, the staff was very charming, the food is great, and the Moroccan tea is to-die-for!
  9. awesome Morroccan food, great music, beautiful people in a beautiful room.
  10. Our sprightly waitress was a delight: charming, attentive, full of information, but never disrupting or intrusive.
  11. Basically, they have the worst customer service!
  12. The wine and champagne list is impressive and the staff is not only helpful but friendly and fun!
  13. don't even think those at the "private party" could have gotten good service.
  14. the service is always great, from the bar to the tapas (awesome morroccan food too!)
  15. I've read the other reviews on here and they all say the same thing - everything about the place is great except the service.
  16. BUT the service was about the worst I've had in NYC.
  17. The dude who served my friend and I was incredibly rude.
  18. Service is friendly and attentive.
  19. The restaurant is nice but it is not amazing enough so that it is worth to be somewhat annoyed at the service for whole three hours as they stretch dinner by not waiting on you properly.
  20. Generally, if you are looking for a big place with a ton of people, don't go there.
  21. The waitress is attentive, but not overbearing.
  22. the reason we came to Casablanca (which was recommended by a friend of mine) to have fun, and enjoy our dinner, the food was GREAT, but the service was AWFUL.
  23. The staff was very polite and unobtrusive.
  24. Casablanca Tea Room was the perfect setting for a special occasion, with great service- the owner came over and congratulated me, the food came out in a timely manner, and our wine glasses were never empty.
  25. am happy to to say that the owner of Casablanca has done everything correct and that they firing on all cylinders- Starting with what matters: SUBLIME FOOD, great ambiance and the friendliest service that I have experienced since my trip to Morocco.
  26. was too stunned and appaled at the time to say anything but that review below about the poor service is totally on target!
  27. It is not a romantic ambiance as the lights are so bright inside and the staff MIA that it makes for a very frustrating, beyond disappointing experience.
  28. The bartenders were friendly, if not a little too cocky, but they were responsive.
value
83.33000183105469% positive
  1. The drinks were great, albeit pricey.
  2. The restaurant is nice but it is not amazing enough so that it is worth to be somewhat annoyed at the service for whole three hours as they stretch dinner by not waiting on you properly.
  3. Khalid, the Chef/Event Planner helped me put together a great party with a price fix that could not be beat anywhere else in the city, $60 all you can eat and drink!
wait time
25.0% positive
  1. Haven't had better beet salad, chick peas, eggplant, olives, and grilled flat bread in a long time.
  2. came here awhile ago and while I agree the service was a little slow,this time around they completely turned that around and we had a beautiful waitress who was prompt and great to be around.
1 Star Rating: Poor

01/05/08

Non-existent

by boywonderesq at Citysearch

This restaurant no longer exists. We went looking for it tonight and were told by Lounge that it was closed. Writing this is my good deed for the day.

4 Star Rating: Recommended

08/06/07

great STRONG! drinks!!

by venusrules at Citysearch

As you climb the steep stairs up to the front door, you walk in and instantly feel relaxed. We got the appetizer with bread and extra pepper appetizers. It was delicious. The drinks were yummy but very strong...but very tasty...The atmosphere was so comfortable and fun!!! Get there early since it is a small place and can get crowded fast!

  • Pros: ambience, food, drinks, enjoyment
  • Cons: small spot
4 Star Rating: Recommended

07/22/07

Come to the casbah

by the_zeeman at Citysearch

My girl and I ducked into this place for lunch over the weekend. It had excellent ch'i and a beautiful decor. The white washed stone and curtains coupled with the North African lanterns were a nice oasis. They also project the movie, Casablanca, on a curtain on the wall. Very fun.

The wine we had was excellent, and the tapas mixed plate was perfect. Haven't had better beet salad, chick peas, eggplant, olives, and grilled flat bread in a long time. The bartenders were friendly, if not a little too cocky, but they were responsive. The only knock is that the space is tight. We sat at the bar. I can imagine this place is a great hot spot at night. Z

  • Pros: Ambience, food, wine
  • Cons: A little pricey
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

07/17/07

Here's Lookin at You Kid

by harper_mc at Citysearch

What a place! Sipping my mojito and savoring the authentic moroccan dishes while being lulled by the soft flutter of the white drapes on the ceiling, it was easy to forget I just got out of a cab that smelled like my grandmothers feet. This place will take you far from the clamor just outside. Beautifully detailed white mousharabiya wookwork lines all the walls. Gentle fans encorage the sheer curtains dance in the perfecty muted lighting. The staff was very polite and unobtrusive. The manager personaly served us a round of the sweet mint drinks we had been enjoying and ensured our satifaction at every opportunity. The perfectly selected subtle music and the fainty projected silent apparition of the original 1942 movie waving above our heads even furthered the overall aesthetic. Get out of NY but still stay in Soho. I certainly will agan and I think Bogart would too.

  • Pros: Ambience
  • Cons: Staff was too attractive (How is that bad?)
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

07/15/07

lovely space, great drinks

by missmadison at Citysearch

this place is gorgeous! small, unique, beautiful. love the movie playing in the background! and the drinks were AMAZING-the ruby slippers is delicious. definitely going back!

  • Pros: delicious drinks, lovely setting
  • Cons: none!

The Details on Casablanca Tea Room

Place Categories:

  • great moroccan food
  • worst customer service
  • great snobby service
  • great drinks
  • like chill place
  • great hot spot
  • pleasant experience
  • unobtrusive staff
  • flat bread
  • enjoy intimate dinner
  • beautiful decor
  • unique menu
  • romantic evening
  • wonderful meal
  • not amazing restaurant
  • awesome morroccan food
  • responsive bartenders
  • perfectly balanced any
  • comfortable atmosphere
  • totally cool music
  • more cool sam
  • not flavorful hummus
  • amazing wine
  • beautiful sprightly waitress
  • great everything